Joan Becker: An Expressive, Strong Spirit Full of Positivity and Hope
This section includes announcements of important events in our lives–births, graduations, engagements, marriages, and deaths. If you want to share an event with your community, please send a photo and a written piece to [email protected].
Joan Becker
May 22, 1954 – August 17, 2022On August 17, 2022, Joan Becker died peacefully at home with her partner of 37 years, Cindy Taylor, by her side. In early March, 2020, just as the Covid virus took hold across the US, Joan was diagnosed with advanced cancer, and spent the pandemic in and out of treatment, living her life to the fullest, and always keeping her bright, radiant light full of positivity and hope.
Joan had a strong spirit that she expressed in many ways throughout her life: in dance, movement, clowning, choreography, cooking, meditation, gardening, writing, working with kids, teaching, and community service. She was a respected Rosen Method bodyworker who helped many with her skilled hands and understanding of the connections between body, mind and emotions. Joan was also a long-time landscaper in Southern Humboldt and Marin Counties, while creating and building her beloved homestead on Miller Creek in Briceland, CA. She was also involved in the early days of Wild Iris/Institute for Sustainable Forestry, acted as a liaison for College of the Redwoods’ local educational programs, and was a devoted board member for the Redwood Playhouse.
Joan joined the Feet First Dance Company for their show “Success” in 1984, and spent the rest of her life performing with them, as well as serving as a board member. She had a great gift for creative collaboration, and deeply enjoyed contributing and performing in multiple dance pieces, clowning skits, and as characters in such shows as “Clowntown”, “Mr. Whyme and the Final Taboo”, “The Motherhood”, and many more.
Joanie also had a deep relationship with spirituality, especially with Tibetan Buddhist meditation and teachings, as well as with her local Jewish Temple, B’nai Ha-Aretz, led by Rabbi Naomi Steinberg.
Joan’s greatest role in life, and a dream come true, was becoming a parent. Joan and Cindy welcomed their son Randy R. Reese into their world and became a family when Randy was a baby in 1999. So many happy memories were made, especially during his childhood, as Joan was a very active and present mother, always thinking about the next adventure, experience and memory to be made. Joan’s great joy in being alive was contagious, and lives on in all who love her.
Joan Dee Becker was born on May 22, 1954 to Lee and Henry (Hank) Becker in New York, NY. She grew up on Long Island, graduated from Oyster Bay High School, and soon thereafter began to broaden her life with travel: living on a kibbutz in Israel, dancing the can-can in a Yukon Theatre, cooking for and becoming part of a Sufi community in Los Angeles, and finally landing in Briceland in 1978.
Joanie leaves the love of her life, Cindy Taylor of Briceland, CA, their son Randy of Arcata, CA, her mother Lee Becker of Vista, CA, brother Elliot and wife Mary Becker of Eugene, OR, Aunt Betty and Uncle Cy Pollack of Vista, CA, cousins Rick Shaine, Robert (Carin) Pollack, Steve (Cheryl) Pollack, Susan Hudson, and their families in Southern California. Cousins Rosey and Annie Kobliska-Becker of OR, brother-in-law Jim (Sara) Taylor, niece and nephew Emily and Sam Taylor of MA, sister-in-law Sally (John), and nephew and nieces Eric, Kim, and Jenn Goodwin of NH. Joan also leaves a gaggle of godchildren behind, many now with partners and families of their own, who all hold life-long memories and love for Joanie. Included in this group are Molly, Evan, Roxanne, Marissa, Eliza Grace, Devlin, Michael, Faith, Ben, Joe, Elioa, Kea, Connor, Evi, Zack, Eden, and Tanner. She will also live on in the hearts of many close friends near and far, in particular BFF Cheryl Kalson of PA, and longtime creative partner Barbara Penny, of Garberville, CA.
Joan was predeceased by her father, Hank Becker, cousin Marilyn Becker, Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Fred Shaine, mother-in-law Nancy Taylor, and many beloved friends and family members.
When Joan exited stage left at her last earthly appearance, the world tilted and will never be the same. We miss her so, yet we have all been greatly enriched by her love, enthusiasm, devotion, and large presence. As her almost 100-year-old mother, Lee, likes to say, “God created a very special and powerful human being in that quite small package!”
When you think of Joanie, do a little jig, twirl around and send a kiss to her magical stardust of a soul.
We love you Joan. Always.
Donations in memory of Joan Becker can be made to Feet First Dancers, P.O. Box 1671, Redway, CA 95560
Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules
Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/
This is a wonderful tribute and almost captures the joy and magic that is Joan…I say almost, only because none of us can capture all of it! Thank you, thinking of the many ways she has brightened our world, as well as her beloved Cindy and Randy, and her comedic partner and friend, Barbara. Wish she were still here.
I hadn’t heard about Joan’s passing one year ago.
Sad. Another one of So Hum creatives and leaders has fallen.
I didn’t know Joan, except in passing and through mutual friends. I do remember that she always greeted me as if we were long time pals. Her joy was on the surface.
I remember her most when dancing with Feet First. She was always funny and made me smile. And now she can be dancing again, with Don, Chad, Jonelle, and others from that heralded troupe.